Act 4, Part 2 Summary

The Mayor comes in, saying he's giving up his fight to get Brand to leave because too many people have gone to Brand's side. After a lengthy debate over whether the Mayor's withdrawal is a morally correct choice, the Mayor admits that his ultimate goal is to regain his influence with the people. He talks at length about how Brand has inspired him to help improve people's lives. He talks specifically about eradicating poverty by building a large "pest-house" in which the poor can live. He suggests the "pest-house" be joined to a jail, an auditorium where elections and receptions can be held and a madhouse. He says that public demand for such a facility is increasing, and he claims it will meet all the needs of the community, civic and political and social, for generations. When Brand comments that it...